Top reflector for a nuclear-reactor vessel

Abstract

A top reflector for a nuclear-reactor vessel, i.e. the containment for a nuclear-reactor core, especially of a high-temperature or pebble bed reactor, is composed of laterally contiguous bodies (e.g. of graphite) which can be suspended from a support and in which means is provided for the form-fitting interengagement of the adjacent bodies to prevent collapse of the top reflector upon failure of the suspension.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a nuclear reactor having a housing enclosing a nuclear reactor core and a support for a planar top reflector, the improvement which comprises a top reflector assembled from blocks and form-fittingly interconnected with a toothed structure at adjoining lateral faces of adjacent blocks for retaining said blocks against collapse upon failure of said support, said blocks being prismatic and having vertical corners formed with cylindrical segmental recesses defining with corresponding recesses of other blocks cylindrical passages, and respective rotatable plugs received in said passages, the walls of said recesses being provided with grooves and said plugs having flights engaging said grooves, said support comprising rails spanning said core and means for mounting said blocks on said rails. 
     
     
       2. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said grooves and flights form a screwthread structure. 
     
     
       3. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said grooves and flights form a rapid bayonet connection. 
     
     
       4. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said blocks have confronting faces formed with registering grooves, splines extending in said grooves and supporting adjoining blocks against shear. 
     
     
       5. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein adjoining lateral faces of adjacent blocks are formed with complementary toothed formations. 
     
     
       6. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said blocks are of rectangular plan outline. 
     
     
       7. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said blocks are of hexagonal regular prismatic configuration and are formed with a portion offset from the remainder along a diagonal of the hexagonal configuration whereby said portion forms a projection along three sides of the hexagon and a recess along the other three sides thereof. 
     
     
       8. The improvement defined in claim 7 wherein said blocks are formed unitarily with said portions. 
     
     
       9. The improvement defined in claim 1, further comprising means for mounting said blocks horizontally shiftably on said support.